Last updated: November 2026
How does a U.S. citizen sponsor a spouse (CR-1 / IR-1)?
CR-1 or IR-1?
| Category | When it applies | What you receive |
|---|---|---|
| CR-1 | Marriage under 2 years at approval | Conditional green card for two years. You apply to remove the conditions (Form I-751) close to the end of that period. |
| IR-1 | Marriage of 2 years or more at approval | Green card without conditions. |
Citizen or green card holder?
The sponsor's status changes the route. A U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse uses CR-1/IR-1 with no annual cap. A green card holder sponsoring a spouse uses the F2A category, which is subject to visa availability and can involve a wait.
How the process works
- The U.S. citizen files Form I-130 with USCIS, with proof that the marriage is genuine.
- After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center and then to a U.S. consulate.
- Affidavit of support (Form I-864). The sponsor must show enough income or assets to support the spouse.
- Medical exam and visa interview at the consulate.
- Entry to the U.S. The spouse becomes a permanent resident on arrival.
- CR-1 only: file Form I-751 to remove the conditions on the green card.
What helps prove the marriage is real
- Marriage certificate and proof that earlier marriages ended
- Photos together over time, travel records, messages and call history
- Shared finances, lease or mortgage, insurance, joint accounts
- Letters from family and friends who know you as a couple
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CR-1 and IR-1?
Both are spouse of a U.S. citizen green cards. CR-1 is for marriages under two years old at approval and gives a two-year conditional green card. IR-1 is for marriages of two years or more and gives a green card without conditions.
Is there a waiting list for spouses of U.S. citizens?
There is no annual numerical cap for immediate relatives, so there is no visa-number backlog. Processing still takes time because of USCIS, the National Visa Center and the consulate.
Can a green card holder petition for a spouse?
Yes, but under the F2A category, which is subject to visa availability and can involve a wait.
Who files the petition?
The U.S. citizen files Form I-130 for the foreign spouse.
Do I need to prove my marriage is real?
Yes. USCIS and the consulate look for evidence that the marriage is genuine and not entered into only for immigration benefits.
What is the affidavit of support?
Form I-864 is a legal commitment by the sponsor to support the immigrant spouse. The sponsor must meet an income requirement or use assets or a joint sponsor.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. Each case is decided on its own facts and evidence, and no consultant or attorney can guarantee approval.
We met online and have never met in person. Can I still sponsor my spouse?
The marriage must be genuine and legally valid. In practice, officers look closely at couples who have not spent time together, so evidence of a real relationship matters even more.
Can we get married while my partner is on a tourist visa and then stay?
This can be risky. Entering on a tourist visa while already planning to stay can be treated as misrepresentation. Get advice before your partner travels.
Is a big age gap or a short relationship a problem?
Neither is illegal. They can draw more questions, so strong evidence of a real relationship matters.
Will the officer ask very personal or odd questions?
Interviews often cover everyday life: routines, home, family and plans. Answer truthfully. Answers that do not match between partners can hurt a case.
Can my spouse work while we wait?
Not until they enter the U.S. as a permanent resident. After arrival, the green card allows work.
What if we separate before the conditions are removed on a CR-1?
Removing the conditions then becomes more complex and may need a waiver. Get advice as early as you can.
Does an online or proxy marriage count?
The marriage has to be legally valid where it was celebrated, and some remote or proxy marriages are not accepted for immigration. Check before you marry.
My spouse overstayed a visa or was refused entry in the past. Is it over?
Not necessarily, but past overstays, removals or false statements can create bars to a visa. These cases need individual review.
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